OBITUARY

Emily Roberts

Passed away on September 25, 2018

Old Lyme- Emily Minor Roberts, 76, of 34 Champlain Dr. Died Tuesday, September 25th at her residence with her family by her side. Mrs. Roberts was born in Pontiac, MI the daughter of Lancelot and Dorothy(Gail) Minor. She married the love of her life Douglas William Roberts on June 19, 1964. She was employed as a teacher in the Old Lyme Schools for many years. She was a selfless teacher, who went out of her way for her kids. She had the most amazing smile, which lit up a room. She always looked at the positive side of life, and believed in the wonder and beauty of the world around her. She believed that we should all appreciate the beauty of nature and the good in us all. She loved her family and would defend them passionately. Her love affair with her husband of 54 years was epic and eternal. She will forever be a “Nurd”, an SOS girl and a fine friend to so many. Her kazoo playing and dancing was legendary and it wasn’t a Birthday unless Em sang to you with Dad in toe. She had strong faith and always made sure she gave to others. Volunteering at the local soup kitchen, taking flowers to people who needed a lift, and teaching Sunday school. Life is a Blast!! Keep your foot on the soft peddle and don’t let the music stop. Now pull out your white hanky and say good bye to Emily, she will be forever in our hearts and minds. Love you Mom.
Mrs Roberts is survived by her husband Douglas of over 54 years, daughter Doree Rae Wilcox of Ivoryton, sons Douglas William Roberts of Old Lyme and David Lance Roberts of MI, and eight grandchildren who meant the world to her.
A Celebration of life will be held on October 13th, 2018 at Griswold Point in Old Lyme CT at 2pm. Fulton Theroux Funeral Home, Old Lyme, CT is handling the arrangements.

REMEMBERING

Emily Roberts

Kristin Ahnell Geshel

October 13, 2018

Our family loved seeing Emily, she always brought a smile to our face and left us with a warm glow of God's love. I had the good fortune to get to know her when we co-taught Sunday school at St. John's in Essex for my daughter Samantha's class. Sammy felt her teaching made the most impact on her. We enjoyed bumping into her around town or seeing her on her bike, we enjoyed hearing her kind thoughtful words on whatever the topic may be. God has a special soul with him now, we are blessed to have known her.

Lori Matt Shephard

October 13, 2018

I’m so sorry about my crazy em, she was such a big bright light in my life she will be sadly missed. I’m so sorry I cannot attend for I’m out of the country,my thoughts and prayers are with you all,Sincerely, Lori matt Shephard

Bonnie Butsch

October 12, 2018

Dear Doug and Family,Hard to know where to begin describing Emily and the impact she had on everyone in her world .... so many things that made her so incredibly unique and special. I know I may be repeating some of what has been so eloquently written by others. Emily was definitely a kindred spirit, we became friends right away when I began teaching in Old Lyme. Her sense of adventure was apparent and her ever present optimism so refreshing. She had a zest for life unlike anyone I have ever known and was the very essence of love. Emily recognized the good in everyone and genuinely cared for all she encountered making friends where ever she would go. Her kindness, sweetness, fun loving spirit, and spontaneity were cornerstones of all she was and will remain with us as we think of her. She was always going out of her way for a family member or friend whether it was a quick call, text, or spur of the moment lunch date. Emily was an "outside of the box" thinker and enormously creative educator who valued the worth of every child as well as her colleagues. I will always treasure my memories of her kazoo playing, the signature "Birthday Hat", and will laugh when I think of how she would whisper if she called after 9:00pm. Emily knew how lucky she was to live in a beautiful love affair with Doug that grew stronger with each passing day. She held dear the hopes and dreams of her children and her grandchildren and cherished family traditions. Emily had a fierce loyalty and unbounding love for her family. Although I will miss her so very much, I feel so grateful that she was part of my life and am truly honored to have been her friend. Emily and all her family will remain in my thoughts and prayers. We now have a new and most glorious Guardian Angel.

Jeff Patnaude

October 8, 2018

Dearest Doug and family: It was 44 years ago last month when, as a brand new priest of the church, I was introduced to a living version of the Holy Spirit. Not encumbered by ecclesiastical trappings or obscured by form, the One who stood before me in that 4th grade Sunday School room was an Angel of significance. She was, and continues to be, a Light Bearer touching the magic wand of her legacy to all our lives that are left to wander without her- and yet better because of her. What a gift she was and remains to be for all who were blessed to cross her beautiful life path.

Carolyn and Scott Brown

October 7, 2018

God does not make them any better than Emily Roberts!

Stacey Sankow

October 4, 2018

Em was one of the kindest, sweetest most genuine people I had the pleasure of knowing. I can still see her smiling face, feel the warmth of her presence and hear her distinct laughter when I think of her. Em had a light in her that transcended the shadows. She cared so deeply about everyone that was in her life; I think it is rare for people to be so outwardly loving and accepting of so many people these days. She was thoughtful and listened and knew when it was a person’s birthday, gave support when someone was sad and even cried with others while she consoled and gave heartfelt advice. She was silly, (loved all of her festive hats and her smashed up kazoo—no idea how it still worked!) and loved to laugh and make others laugh. I always enjoyed when she would stop in the office to harass Chip to the point where he would walk out to his house. It was a strategy so I could have a little work break and talk girl talk while her beloved Doug patiently waited in the café or car. I loved her stories of travel and appreciated recommendations and her gracious offerings to visit her down South. Em is a soul who is very much attached to a greater part of our community here on the Connecticut shoreline and she will certainly never be forgotten. I will miss her dearly.

Tracy Wiseman (Rubin)

October 4, 2018

Our deepest sympathy goes out to your entire family! Emily was a beautiful jewel... sweet, thoughtful and loving. Emily and I went to lunch a little while back to ‘catch up’ and almost 3 hours later we decided it was time to leave... but we could have continued chatting without a delay!! I will alway remember her smile and enthusiasm...my ice skating life never would have happened without the entire Roberts family. You will all be in my heart forever! Hugs and prayers Tracy & Paul Wiseman (Rubin)

Sheila Reed

October 3, 2018

Doree,

My heartfelt condolences on the loss of your beloved mom. I pray that your memories of her will give you comfort and strength in the days and weeks to come. I hope you know you have the best of her residing within you.

Gods blessings to you and your entire family.

Sheila Ring Reed

Barbara Dooley

October 3, 2018

What a fun loving, wonderful teacher and person. I remember her always having that contagious smile. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family at this very difficult time. God bless🙏🏼

Ashley Fiore

October 3, 2018

Em, I have always been meaning to tell you how much of an impact you have had on some of the decisions I have made for my career path. When you were my tutor you showed me the compassion and kindness every student should receive. You always had a smile on your face, and coffee on your breath. You were always willing to help and explain it in another way, show patience and understanding. I can only hope that my students fell the same way about me. You will truly be missed but never forgotten and always carried on. With more love then I can express, Ashley.

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